Kapil Dev expressed delight at the emergence of the fast bowling unit and its increased presence in Team India’s performances.
“It is important to give youngsters an opportunity to show their talent,” said the former India all-rounder.
He pointed out that a pace attack develops over time. “It takes time (to build a group of bowlers who can bowl fast). It feels good to see the (amount of) cricket being played nowadays. Many fast bowlers have got a chance due to the IPL. When you play more, more players will emerge,” said Kapil.
The World Cup-winning skipper, asked about rotating the bowlers to avoid injuries due to the heavy workload, said: “I think we (past cricketers) should not say anything on it. They (bowlers) themselves know and the selectors should know what the best is for the team.”
About Jasprit Bumrah and Hardik Pandya being treated for back injuries, Kapil said: “Everybody needs to look after themselves. I think if they (bowlers) can do that, they will look after the country also. Getting injured does not help the team as the combination gets disturbed.”
Can field two sides
Kapil, speaking on the sidelines of cab start-up VAOO launch in Mumbai, pointed out that Indian cricket has the depth to field two sides.
“If your main players are not playing (Bumrah, Hardik, Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal are not there against SA), you still have enough bench strength. I feel India can have two (playing) XIs against any touring team, and that is important. I can say without any doubt that (in the) last four-five years, the fast bowlers have changed the face of Indian cricket.”
